This morning I spent some time mingling with the residents at the Shelter’s patio – a favourite place for them to gather perhaps for a puff but more so for togetherness.
While the residents were engrossed in idle prattle, I sat there watching the birds. Birds surely must be one of God’s most beautiful creations. They are so light, so happy. A little noisy sometimes but cheerfully so. I watched them intently with great envy.
At that moment, I thought of St Francis of Assisi who had a gift for understanding birds and attracting them.
Surely, these birds must be God’s greatly favoured. They need not worry what to wear or what to eat. They have the freedom to come and go as they wish.
This morning, they have chosen to remain on ground feeding on bits of bread and rice. Yet, when they want, they may soar high up into the skies beyond the reach of mere human. High up where they can talk, at close range, with their creator – our Creator who sometimes appear so far away, so distant, so out of reach.
If I were a bird, I’d fly now to a place where no man has ever been or dare to tread; a place where time stands still. And just be me.
It may have been a short break from work but, for me, it was a very precious moment spent in quiet contemplation.
